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What would you do if your grandchild called seeking help, asking you to send money?

A local Chelan woman recently complied, falling victim to what has come to be known as the “grandparents scam,” dishing out about $14 thousand before realizing her grandson wasn’t the one asking for the money.

According to North Sergeant, Rob Huddleston, in this case, which was reported to RiverCom Dispatch Monday morning, the victim was contacted and told that her grandson had been injured in a vehicle accident and needed money right away.

Huddleston says the best first step in protecting yourself from becoming a victim is simply being aware.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, the scam has been around since 2008- but has become more advanced over time.

Last year, more than 26 thousand older Americans reported sending at least $110 million to scammers posing as family members and claiming injury or arrest in a foreign country. And, they say that is just the tip of the iceberg, adding that only about 8 percent of victims report the crime.